Music at HSA
Build musicianship, composition, and ensemble skills through group classes, private study, and performance.
Where young musicians find their sound
Rooted in the legacy of HSA founder Dorothy Maynor and the Harlem Renaissance, HSA Music helps students build strong technique, creative confidence, and the collaborative skills to make music with others.
Students study musicianship and composition, explore the jazz tradition, and are encouraged to participate in HSA-organized performances.
How do you want to learn
Build skills alongside other musicians or receive focused, individual guidance from an HSA teaching artist.
Group Music
Experience ensemble-based instruction that strengthens technique, listening, collaboration, and confidence while connecting students to Harlem’s musical legacy.
Private Lessons
Work one-on-one with an instructor to develop technique, address specific goals, and build artistic skills in a focused learning environment.
Tuition fees and policies for private lesson instruction
These rates apply to private instruction in Music, Drama, and Dance. Tuition is determined by lesson length and the number of sessions selected. Always confirm final pricing and availability with HSA before registering.
Swipe horizontally to view the complete tuition table.
| Duration | 4 Sessions | 8 Sessions | 12 Sessions | 14 Sessions | 16 Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 min | $260 | $520 | $780 | $910 | $1,040 |
| 45 min | $338 | $676 | $1,014 | $1,183 | $1,352 |
| 60 min | $390 | $780 | $1,170 | $1,365 | $1,560 |
Music class catalog
Open a level to compare schedules, instructors, grades, and fees. Select a course name to continue to registration.
Swipe horizontally to view all course details.
Beginner
| Course | Days | Time | Dates | Location | Instructor | Grades | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Drum CirclePercussion fundamentals and West African/Caribbean rhythms. | Sat | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | 9/19 – 1/23 | Multi-Use Gallery Space | Donald Eaton | 1–7 | $475 |
| Beginner Jazz BandIntroductory jazz ensemble and group rehearsal skills. | Tue/Thu | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | 9/22 – 1/28 | Room 205 | Roslyn White | 5–12 | Included |
| Guitar ClassBeginner guitar: sight-reading, tuning, melody, and rhythm basics. | Sat | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | 9/19 – 1/23 | Room 206 | Robin Hackett | 2–6 | $475 |
| Intro to Keyboard — 9:00 AMFoundational keyboard class covering hand position and sight-reading. | Sat | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 9/19 – 1/23 | Room 201 | Clifford Jones | Pre-K–1 | $475 |
| Intro to Keyboard — 10:00 AMFoundational keyboard class covering hand position and sight-reading. | Sat | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 9/19 – 1/23 | Room 201 | Clifford Jones | Pre-K–1 | $475 |
| Intro to Keyboard — 11:00 AMFoundational keyboard class covering hand position and sight-reading. | Sat | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 9/19 – 1/23 | Room 201 | Clifford Jones | 2–6 | $475 |
| Intro to Keyboard — 12:00 PMFoundational keyboard class covering hand position and sight-reading. | Sat | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | 9/19 – 1/23 | Room 201 | Clifford Jones | 2–6 | $475 |
| Suzuki Violin/Strings 1Suzuki-method introduction to violin, viola, and cello. | Sat | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 9/19 – 1/23 | Room 206 | David Burnett | Pre-K–3 | $475 |
| Toddlers Drumming TimeEarly-childhood percussion exploration. | Sat | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 9/19 – 1/23 | Multi-Use Gallery Space | Donald Eaton | Pre-K–K | $475 |
Intermediate
| Course | Days | Time | Dates | Location | Instructor | Grades | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Jazz BandEnsemble and improvisation skills for students with prior experience. | Tue/Thu | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | 9/22 – 1/28 | Room 206 | Matthew Podell | 5–12 | Included |
| Keyboard Level 2Technical independence and notation for young keyboard students. | Sat | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | 9/19 – 1/23 | Room 201 | Clifford Jones | 1–3 | $475 |
| HSA Community ChoirPerformance-focused choir with travel and audition support. | Wed/Thu | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | 9/23 – 1/28 | Room 232 | Antoine Dolberry | 4–12 | Included |
| Percussion Ensemble — Level 2Prep TrackDedicated percussion ensemble repertoire. | Sat | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | 9/19 – 1/23 | Room 202 | Donald Eaton | 4–12 | $475 |
| Suzuki Violin/Strings 2Continued Suzuki string training focused on tone and intonation. | Sat | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 9/19 – 1/23 | Room 206 | David Burnett | 3–12 | $475 |
| Suzuki Violin/Strings 3Prep TrackIntermediate Suzuki strings introducing third position. | Sat | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 9/19 – 1/23 | Room 206 | David Burnett | 3–12 | $475 |
Advanced
| Course | Days | Time | Dates | Location | Instructor | Grades | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Jazz BandPrep TrackAudition-based ensemble exploring swing, blues, bebop, and improvisation. | Tue/Thu | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 9/22 – 1/28 | Room 234 | Malec Heermans | 8–12 | Included |
HSA’s team can help identify an appropriate class level and learning path for your child.
Learn from working musicians
HSA teaching artists are active professional performers who bring real-world experience, individual attention, and a competitive edge to every learning environment.
Make music at HSA
Browse current group offerings or contact our team to learn more about private instruction.
Frequently asked questions
What opportunities do you offer for young artists?
For students ages 8–17 who dream of pursuing art as a career, HSA offers specialized programs called HSA Prep and HSA Pre-Prep. These programs provide advanced artistic training in a supportive environment, helping young artists build the skills and confidence they need for future success in the arts.
How do you determine the right class level for my child?
Our experienced department directors work personally with each student to evaluate their current skills and interests. This helps us place your child in a class where they will feel both challenged and confident as they grow their artistic abilities.
Does my child need to provide their own instrument?
Yes. However, for students who do not have access to an instrument, HSA can provide a list of stores that rent a variety of instruments.
What does the academic calendar look like?
Our program runs in two terms of 16 weeks each, for a total of 32 weeks of artistic exploration. Class lengths are designed with each student’s age and attention span in mind, from hour-long classes for younger students to immersive two-hour sessions for older students.
Do you offer programs for toddlers?
Yes. Toddlers Drumming Time offers an early-childhood introduction to percussion for students in Pre-K through kindergarten. Current schedules and availability appear in the class catalog above.